Interior paneling



June 21, 1938. F M, MALL 2,121,213

. INTERIOR PANEIJ-ING Fild March 29, 1934 -9 Sheets-Sheet 1 June21,193s.E A L 2,121,213

INTERIOR PANEIJING Filed March 29, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Wax/M113 June21, 1938. F. M. SMALL INTERIOR PANEIJING 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March29, 1934 (I!!! I villi.

. w F v 6 6 E June 21, 1938 SMALL 2,121,213

INTERIOR PANEIJING Filed March 29, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig.6.

June 21,1938. 'EM MA L 2,121,213

' INTERIOR PANELING Filed March 29, 1934- v 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 F. M. SMALLINTERIOR assume Filed larch 29, 1934 June 21 1938.

9 Sheets-Sheet 7 i z z June 21 1938. F. M. SMALL I I'NTERIOR PANEIJINGFile d March 29, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet a June 21, 1938. F. M. SMALLINTERIOR PANEIJING Filed March 29, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 an): nap

Patented June 21, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT ".oFFicE assignments,

to Martin-Parry Corporation,

York, Pa., a corporation 01' Delaware Application March 29, 1934, SerialNo. 718,064

41 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in interiorpaneling.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a system of panelingwhich is suitable for use in finishing or refinishing the walls andceilings of rooms or other enclosures.

A further .object of the invention is to provide a system of interiorpaneling which will include suitable forms oi mountings for sheets ofpanel material by means of which the walls with the various anglesarranged, therein and ceilings of rooms or other suitable enclosures maybe artistically and originally finished or refinished.

' A further important object of the invention is sheets to the variousinterior surfaces of a room, or the like, and by means of which thepanel sheets may be properly positioned or removed in more or lesslimited spaces and wherein any desired design or pattern may befollowed.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description:

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame, V

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of the walls, ceiling, andflooring of a room which has been decorated by means of the panelinembodying this invention,

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 2--2 of Fig. 3 andillustrates the right hand portion of the wall section disclosed in Fig.1,

=3-3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 4-4of- Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 55 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line 6--6 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 7 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view, similar to Fig. 3, but disclosingthe left hand portion of the paneling shown in Fig. l,

Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view of a nonadjustable wall anchor, theuse of which will be explained in detail at a later point,

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are detail views of a modified form ofnon-adjustable wall anchor, Fig. 10 being a plan view, Fig. 11 being alongitudinal sectional view, and Fig. 12 being a sectional view taken online I2-l2 of Fig. 10,

to provide suitable devices for securing paneling Fig. 3 is a verticalsectional view taken on line Figs. 13 and 14 are detail views of anadjustable form of wall anchor, Fig. 14 being taken on line l4-l4 ofFig. 13,

Figs. 15 and 16 are detail views of a further form of non-adjustablewall anchor,

Figs. 17 and 18 are detail views of a further form of an adjustable wallanchor,

Fig. 19 is a detail perspective view ing rail,

Fig. 20 is a detail perspective view of a form of anchor plate,

Figs. 21 and 22 are perspective views of two different forms of basestrips which form a part of mounting moldings for the panel sheets,

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a top strip which constitutes a part ofthe panel sheet securing molding,

of a mount- Figs. 24 and 25 are perspective views of two I diiierentforms of wedging insert strips, adapted to be associated with the topstrip disclosed in Fig. 23,

Figs. 26, 27 and 28 are perspective views of three different forms ofpanel moldings,

Figs. 29 and 30 are perspective views of moldings suitable for forminginside angles of the paneling,

. Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a non-adjusteable ceiling anchor,

Figs. 32 and 33 are side elevational views oi. an adjustable form ofceiling anchor,

Figs. 34 and 35 are detail views of finishing angle plates employed forconcealing joints between molding sections,

Fig. 36 is a transverse sectional view of a form of molding employed forsupporting and connecting the adjacent edges of panel sheets arranged toform an outside angle,

Fig. 37 is a detail sectional view taken on line 31-3! of Fig. 36,

Figs. 38 and 39 are detail perspective views of the base and top stripsrespectively, which, when properly associated, form the outside anglemolding disclosed in Fig. 36,

Fig. 40 is a transverse sectional view of a further modified form ofoutside angle molding,

Fig. 41 is a transverse sectional view of astill further modified formof outside angle molding, the sectional view also disclosing a finishingangle plate employed to conceal joints between molding sections,

Fig. 42 is an inside perspective view of the finishing angle platedisclosed in Fig. 41,

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a still further modified form ofoutside angle molding specifiroom paneling, and

Fig. 44 is a detail perspective view of a finishing angle plate employedfor concealing Joints between molding sections.

This invention first will be briefly described by separately identifyingthe essential elements which comprise this system of paneling and whichare shown in detail in Figs. 9 to 44 inclusive. These elements also willbe briefly described with reference to their properly associatedpositions in the assembly views, Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive. In this briefdescription where various modifications of an element are illustrated,all of the modifications will be given the same general referencecharacter in all of the figures and it is to be understood that thedifferent forms of a single element may be interchangeably employed,notwithstanding the fact that the assembly views may only disclose oneform. The detail description, which will follow this brief descriptionwill be relied upon to clearly point out the distinguishing features ofeach different modification of a single element.

In paneling or finishing the walls and ceilings of newly constructedrooms and the paneling or refinishing of.walls and ceilings of old roomsby means of the paneling system embodying this invention, it firstbecomes necessary to provide means for tying the paneling to the saidceilings and walls. Wall and ceiling anchors have been provided for thispurpose. Where the walls and ceilings to be paneled are found to belevel, or without material irregularities, no adjustment in the anchorstructures need be provided. Where the walls and ceilings are not level,or are provided with irregularities of different sizes, shapes, andcharacters, the anchor members provide means for taking care of suchirregularities. Ad- Justable wall anchors, generally designated by thereference character A, are shown in detail in Figs. 13, 14, 17 and 18and are shown assembled in Figs. 2, 3 and 6. Non-adjustable wallanchors, generally designated by the reference character B are shown-indetail in Figs. 9. to 12 inclusive, l5 and I6. Adjustable ceilinganchors, designated generally by the reference character C, are shown indetail in Figs. 32 and 33. A form of non-adjustable ceiling anchor,designated by the reference character D, is shown in detail in Fig. 31.It will be noted that these various anchor structures are secured towalls or ceilings by means of screw fasteners. These fastener elements,of course, should be mounted in solid supports, such as studding, or thelike. The various anchor members may be arranged at as many differentpoints as are found to be necessary to properly tie the paneling to thesurfaces to be ornamented.

After properly positioning the wall and celling anchors of desiredforms, to accommodate the style and arrangement of paneling desired,mounting rails, designated in general by the reference character Eshould be secured to the anchors. A detail view of a section of mountingrail is shown in Fig. 19. Assembly views appearing in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6 and 8 disclose different ways in which the mounting rails may beconnected or secured to the wall anchors to accommodate the style andarrangement of paneling desired. It is to be understood that any sizesand shapes than those shown in Fig. l to be employed.

cally employed for forming the base board of a It sometimes becomesnecessary or advisable to employ short sections of mounting rails inlocations where wall or ceiling anchors cannot be advantageouslyemployed. In such cases, splice plates, designated in general by thereference character F may be utilized. Such splice plates, and the waysin which they are used, are shown in the assembly views of Figs. 2, 3, 4and 8.

It will be noted by inspecting the detail view in Fig. 19 that themounting rails for the molding'ar'e of channel formation. For thepurpose of adjustably connecting the moldings to the rails, a form ofconnector plate, designated by the reference character G, is provided.One of these connector plates is shown in detail in Fig. 20. Figs. 2 to8 inclusive, disclose these connector plates G arranged as desired inthe various mounting rails E to permit the molding strips to be properlyconnected to the rails. These connector plates G are loosely arranged inthe troughs of the mounting rails until they are properly connected tothe molding sections. In cases where the mounting rails extendvertically, it becomes necessary to retain the connector plates in thedesired locations. To accomplish this result, retaining springs,designated in general by the reference character H, are located in thetroughs of the mounting rails just below the proper locations for theconnector plate G.

After the connector plates G are properly located in the mounting rails,the desired form of molding is connected to the plates G. These moldingsare of threeigeneral types. The first type, designated in its entiretyby the reference characterI is employed for connecting panel sheets tothe mounting rails where the interconnected panel sheets are arranged ina common plane. Assembly views of the molding I are shown in Figs. 26,27and 28. This type of molding includes a base strip I two forms of whichare shown in Figs. 21 and 22; a top strip I which is disclosed in detailin Fig. 23 and a wedging insert strip 1, two forms of which are shown indetail in Figs. 24 and 25.

The second type of molding is designated generally by the referencecharacter J and is employed for taking care of inside angles formed by.the panel sheets to be connected by this type of molding. Inside anglemoldings of different types are disclosed in detail in Figs. 29, 30, and34. Figs. 1, 2. 3, 4, 5 and 8 disclose assembly views which includesections of inside angle moldings.

The third type of molding. which will be designated by the referencecharacter K, is employed to take care of outside angles formed by thepaneling sheets interconnected by this type of molding. Figs. 36 to 41inclusive and 43 disclose in detail various forms of outside anglemoldings K. Fig. 1 discloses an outside angle molding K assembled withthe remaining elements of the panel.

At numerous points or locations in the paneling of a room, the ends ofdifferent molding sections will come together to form a joint. For thepurpose of concealing or covering this joint, different forms offinishing angle plates have been provided. Fig. 1 discloses twodifferent forms of such finishing plates. They are designated L and Mrespectively. The form of finishing plate L is disclosed in detail inFigs. 34 and 35. The form of finishing angle plate designated by thecharacter M is disclosed in detail in Figs. 41 and 42.' A third form offinishing angle plate is disclosed in detail in Fig. 44 and isdesignated by the reference character N. This finishing angle plate N isemployed to connect the adjacent ends of outside angle molding sectionsemployed for mounting panel sheet sections to finish oil. a window orother form of opening.

After properly positioning the wall anchors, connecting the mountingrails to said anchors, and securing the base strips of the moldings tothe mounting rails, the panel sheets P of proper sizes and shapes areassociated with the base strips of the moldings after which the topstrips of the moldings are positioned and suitably connected to the basestrips. To complete the assembly of the moldings, the wedging insertstrips I are then associated with the top strips 1. The paneling of adesired surface is then completed. These panel sheets may be made of anydesired material, plastic composition, or the like, and may be of oneconsistency or character throughout their thickness or they may consistof laminated structures, such as a main base portion with a veneerfinishing surface. Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive, 28 to 30, inclusive, 32 to34, inclusive, 36, 37, 40, 41 and 43 disclose panel sheets properlyassociated with the various forms of moldings.

It will be determined from a consideration of this system of paneling,as described above, that one of the most outstanding features is thefact that a given wall section may be covered by panel sheets of anydesired number of different sizes and shapes whereby many differentpanel designs and effects may be accomplished. In other words, the sizesand shapes of the various panel sheets need not bear any definiterelation to the spacing between the studding members of the wallstructure to be finished by the paneling. In all prior art panelingsystems I am familiar with, the horizontal dimensions of the panelsheets must bear a definite relation to the spacing. between the wallstudding members. That is, each panel sheet must have a horizontaldimension which corresponds with the'distance between the centers ofadjacent studding members or the horizontal dimensions of the variouspanelsheets must be multiples of the distance between the centers 'ofadjacent panel sheets so that the vertical scams or joints betweenassociated edges of adjacent panel sheets will overlie studding members.

In wall structures where my paneling is secured to studding members, theanchor devices are the only elements which must be arranged in a certainrelation with respect to the studding members. The mounting rails andthe molding devices, however, have no definite relationship with thestudding members and for that reason the scams or joints betweenadjacent panel sheets may be placed at any desired points throughout thewall area.

A careful study of Figures 2 to 8, inclusive, dis-- closes the fact thatthe mounting rails E are arranged relative to each other so as to form abase frame which is attached to the supporting wall structure by theanchor devices. This base frame is skeleton-like in character. A secondskeleton-like frame is formed by the various molding sections. Thissecond skeleton-like frame is secured to the base frames formed by themounting rails, so as to overlie the base frame. The secondskeleton-like frame, which is formed by the various molding sections, isdivided up into a plurality of areas or zones by the 11 located in itscentral portion.

respective molding sections. These areas or zones may be of any desiredshape or size or may be of a plurality of different shapes or sizes. Thevarious panel sheets, in view of the fact that all of the edges of thesame are bounded and defined by the molding sections, will be of thesame shapes and sizes as the areas defined by the associated moldingsections.

The various elements, designated by'the reference characters A to Ninclusive now will be described separately with reference to the variousdetail views, Figs. 9'to 44 inclusive:'

Adjustable wall anchors are disclosed in Figs. 13, 14, 1'7 and 18. Thepreferred form is shown in Figs. 13 and 14 and includes a wood screw inwhich is adapted to be threaded into a wooden srudding II. The head I2of the screw is externally screw threaded at I3. An internally screwthreaded tubular socket M is adapted to be adjustably connected to thehead I 2. This socket has a substantially square head l5 formedthereonwhich is of channel formation in cross section to provide inwardlydirected flanges l6. After the screw I is properly connected to astudding, the channel-shaped head I may be adjusted with respect to thescrew and its head iii to vary the position of the channel-shaped headl5 with respect to the surface of the wall to which the anchor issecured. The channelshaped head I5 is designed to receive a connectingplate G in the manner best illustrated in Fig. 13. The bore of the headl3 of the screw It will function to receive the inner end of the screwIl employed for connecting a rail section E to the adjustable,channel-shaped head I5.

The second form of adjustable wall anchor is shown in Figs. 17 and 18and consists of a base plate l8 adapted to be secured in any desiredmanner to a wall surface. This base plate is provided with a threadedaperture ill for receiving a screw 20 by means of which a rail section Eis connected to the base plate. To vary the position of the rail withrespect to the wall 2! to which it is to be tied, one or more shims orwedge members 22 may be interposed between the exposed face of the baseplate l8 and the bottom face of the rail E. This shim or wedge 22 isprovided with a slot 23 to receive the connecting screw 20. It is to beunderstood that the shim or wedge 22 may be of any desired thickness.

Three different forms of non-adjustable wall anchors B are disclosed inFigs. 9 to 12 inclusive, 15 and 16. The first form is completelyillustrated in Fig. 9 and includes an arched main body portionv 24provided with oppositely projecting feet 25. These feet are apertured at26 to receive securing screws, bolts or the like. The arched bodyportion 24 has a threaded aperture Secured to the underside of thiscentral portion is a relatively thin plate 28 which is provided with athreaded aperture registering with the aperture 21. These alinedthreaded apertures will function as a nut to receive a securing bolt forconnecting a rail section E to the anchor. Fig. 9 discloses one way inwhich a rail section is connected to this non-adjustable anchor or withthe rail section extending longitudinally of the anchor. It is to beunderstood, however, that the rail section may extend at right angles tothe anchor, as illustrated in the lower portion of Fig. 8.

The second form of non-adjustable wall anchor is disclosed in Figs, to12 inclusive. This form includes a 188 screw 24 adapted to be threadedinto an expansible anchor sleeve 33 for mounting the lag screw inconcrete or the like.

The lag screw has a suitable angular head II at its outer end. Aninternally threaded bore 32 is formed axially through the head and aportion of the shank. This threaded bore is designed to receive aconnecting screw 33 having a conventional washer for backing up thehead. The screw 33 is employed for connecting a rail section E to thelag screw 23. As described in connection with the form of non-adjustablewall anchor B illustrated in Fig. 9, the rail section E may extend inany desired angle with respect to the lag screw 23.

A third iorm oi non-adjustable wall anchor B is disclosed in Figs. 15and 16. This form includes a base plate 34 which has a pair ofapertun'es 35 arranged adjacent its ends. These apertures are providedto receive securing screws 33 by means of which the base plate may betied to a wall. Centrally, the base plate 34 is provided with a threadedaperture 31 for receivinga connecting screw 33 by means of which a railsection E may be secured to the base plate.

A form of adjustable ceiling anchor is disclosed in detail in Figs. 32and 33. This ceiling anchor isdesigned for leveling the paneling securedto the ceiling and includes two L- shaped strap members 33 and 40. Thesection 33 has its main body portion longitudinally slotted at 4i andformed with transverse corrugationsfll The foot 43 of the strap sectionis apertured to receive a connecting screw 44 by means of which thisstrap section 33 may be secured or tied to the ceiling 4,5. The secondstrap section 40 is provided with a bolt receiving aperture whichregisters with the slot 4i in the section 33 and is provided withtransversely extending corrugations 43 adapted to mesh or mate with thecorrugations 42 of the flrst mentioned strap section 33. A clamping boltand nut 41 is arranged within the mating aperture and slot of the twostrap sections for connecting the said sections in relative adiustedpositions. The mating or meshing corrugations of these two sections,when the screw and nut 41 is tight-. ened in place, will preventrelative elongation of the anchor and will prevent the two strapsections from pivoting with respect to each other. The foot 48 of thesecond strap section 40 is bent upon itself to provide double thicknessof the strap material. Threaded apertures 49, arranged in axialalinement, are provided in both piles of the foot 48 to receive a screwill by means of which a rail section E may be connected to theadjustable ceiling anchor. Figs. 32 and 33 disclose the manner in whichthe rail section is connected to this anchor and the manner in which amolding section I and two panel sheets P will be associated with therail E.

A non-adjustable. ceiling anchor is disclosed in detail in Fig. 31. Thisceiling anchor D is formed of a reversely bent strip of strap materialhaving a foot portion provided with an aperture 52 for receiving ascrew, or the like, by means of which the anchor D is tied to theceiling. The remaining end portion 53 of this anchor is formed of twothicknesses or plies of material by having the strap doubled uponitself. Two internally threaded apertures 54 are formed through bothplies of this end 53 and are designed to receive screws by means ofwhich a rail section E may be secured to the anchor.

-of the Fig. 19 discloses in detail a relatively short section of themounting rail E provided for connecting the various forms of moldings tothe This mounting rail is of channel foranchors. mation and includes abase Iii having two side, upstanding flanges 86. These side flangescan-y inwardlyydirected edge flanges 51. The base 55 niounting rail isprovided with a longitudinal series of elongated slots 58. These slotsare designed to receive the connecting screws employed for securing therail to the various forms of wall and ceiling anchors. Due to theelongation of these slots and the close relation of the various slots ofthe series, very little care need be taken in originally locating theanchors to which the rail is to be secured.

In addition to the use of different wall and ceiling anchors formounting the rail sections, the preceding brief description of theinvention stated that splice plates F might be employed for connectingshort sections of rails to the main or long sections which in turn aretied to the walls or ceilings by the previously described forms ofanchors. Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 8, disclose the manner in which spliceplates F are used. These splice plates merely consist of an elongatedstrap-like body 59 with a. suitably spaced series of apertures 60internally screw-threaded to receive connecting screws 6| by means ofwhich rails may be fastened to the splice plate. Fig.

4 discloses the splice plate F most clearly.

The mounting rail E has been described above as beingof channelformation. This Iormation is intended to accommodate a desired number ofconnector plates G shown in detail in Fig. 20. This connector plate isof U-formation in cross section and includes the back portion 62 havingat its edges the longitudinal extending flanges 63. Centrally, the backportion 62 is provided with a threaded aperture 84 adapted to receive aconnecting screw for joining molding to the rail.

These connector plates G are loosely positioned within the rails E untilmolding sections are tightly connected to the plates G. This tighteningup of the connector screws will retain the connector plates G againstmovement with respect to their associated rails. Where the mountingrails E extend vertically, means must be provided for retaining theconnector plates G in their desired positions to properly register withthe moldings to be secured to the connector plates. In Figs. 3, 4, 5 and8 there has been disclosed a connector plate retaining spring structureH. Figs. 4 and 8 disclose these springs-most clearly. They merelyconsist of a wire strand 65 bent to form any desired number ofconvolutions. In the preferred form, slightly more than one convolutionis provided so that the free ends will overlap each other.

. The diameter of the spring convolutions is greatplates G to hold theseplates properly positionedwith respect to the length of their associatedrails.

Difierent forms of moldings I are disclosed in Figs. 21 to 28 inclusive.This type of molding is intended to be employed for securing panelsheets to mounting rails tied to walls or ceilings and are not designedto take care of angles.

I The separate elements which cooperate to form one molding structure Iare disclosed in detail in Figs. 21, 23 and 24. These elements consistof the base strip I the top strip I and the wedging insert strip 1. Thebase strip I is of channel formation and includes a bottom 66 havingformed therein a longitudinal series of elongated slots 61. ed at itslongitudinal edges with upstanding side flanges 68 carrying at theirfree edges inwardly bent top flanges 69. The opposed inner edges ofthese top flanges are provided with upstanding edge flanges ill arrangedin parallelism with respect to each other. It has been stated above thatthe connector plates G, shown in detail in Fig. 20, are arranged in themounting rails E for connecting the molding sections to the rails. Thescrews to be threaded into the apertures 64 of the connector plates passthrough the elon-v gated slots 61 of the base strip F of the molding.The top strip I disclosed in Fig. 23, is to be connected to the basestrip I to extend longitudinally thereof. This top strip T is formedwith a substantially U -shaped main body portion H having a longitudinalseries of elongated slots 12. formed therein. This substantiallyU-shaped body portion H is intended to be received between the paralleledge flanges 10 of the base strip I To connect the top strip I to thebase strip, a suitable number of connector plates G are located withinthe trough of the channel-shaped base strip. Screws threaded into theapertures 64 of the connector plates G and passed through the elongatedslots 12 of the top strip will connect the base and top strips in thevmanner intended. The free longitudinal edges of the side walls of theU-shaped body portion ll of the top strip 1* have laterally projectingflanges 13. Fig. 7 discloses in section the manner in which these baseand top strips are associated with respect to each other. It will benoted from this assembly view that the edge flanges 13 of the top stripwill overlie the flanges 69 of the base strip and these two flanges l3and 69 will be arranged substantially in parallelism with respect toeach other to receive the adjacent edges of two panel sheets betweenthese parallel flanges. The trough I l formed by the body portion."faces outwardly of the molding and is adapted to have forced therein thewedging insert strip I disclosed in Fig. 24. This wedging insert stripis of substantially U-shape in cross section and includes the top 15 andthe two side flanges 16. These side flanges are arranged substantiallyin' parallelism with each other and have their longitudinal edgesslightly bent inwardly to facilitate insertion of the insert strip intothe trough T4 of the top strip. The width of the insert strip isintended to be slightly greater than the width of the trough 14 so thatwhen this insert strip is forced into the trough, the sides of the bodyportion H of the top strip will be spread slightly away from each other.This spreading of the sides of the body portion II will cause the edgeflanges 13 to be forced tightly against the outer faces of the panelsheets P, as shown in Fig. 7, for clamping these panel sheets in place.

Fig. 22 discloses a slightly modified form of base strip I Thismodification includes the bottom 11 having a longitudinal series ofelongated slots 18 formedtherein. Side flanges 19 This bottom 66 isprovidare connected to the longitudinal edges of the Y bottom I1 andthese side flanges carry inwardly directed top flanges 89 having theparallel flanges 8| carried by their inner edges. It will be noted thatthe top flanges do not extend truly in parallelism with the plane of thebottom 11 but are bent slightly rearwardly toward the bottom. The freeedges of the parallel flanges Bl also are bent inwardly upon themselvesto provide strengthening beads 82. This form of base strip 1" functionsin substantially the same manner as the previously described base stripdisclosed in Fig. 21.

A modified form of wedging insert strip I is disclosed in Fig. 25; Thisinsert strip includes the top portion 83 with the laterally inwardlybowed side flanges 84. The bowing of these side flanges is iniended tocause the wedging strip-to be more securely locked in the trough 14 ofthe top strip 1* Figs. 26 to 28 inclusive ,disclose forms of mold- 89 ofa wedging insert strip which further includes the top 90. Secured tothis top is an ornamented covering 9|. By securing the base 88 directlyto a mounting rail or to a wooden foundation, as illustrated in Fig. 28,the molding may be employed for clamping panel sheets to the supportingsurface.

Fig. 27 consists of a top strip 92 which corresponds with the top stripof the molding disclosed in Fig. 26. Instead of employing a wedginginsert strip for this, top strip, an ornamented cover or cap 93 issnapped over the longitudinal edges 94 of the top strip 92. This snapaction is made possible by providing the cover 93 with inwardly bentlongitudinal edges 95. v

The form of molding shown in Fig. 28 includes a top strip 96 of the sametype disclosed in Figs.

26 and 27. The trough 91 formed in this top strip is designed to receivea wedging insert strip 98 of the type disclosed in Figs. 24 and 25.

Figs. 29 and 30 disclose two different forms of inside angle moldings.These moldings are intended to connect panel sheets arranged withrespect to each other to form an angle less than when considered fromthe inside of the room being paneled. Such molding takes. care.

side walls and the floor is intended to be formed from strip material toprovide a base 99. One longitudinal edge of this base is formedwith aperpendicular flange I Ill] having a beaded longitudinal edge NH. Theremaining longitudinal edge of the base 99 is provided with' an inwardlybowed spring flange I02 having a beaded longitudinal edge I03. The baseceiling panel sheet P willbe clamped securely between the two flanges.

The inside angle molding disclosed in Fig. 30 includes a-base I04,adapted to be secured to a support, such as a panel sheet, in the mannerillustrated in Fig. 29. The opposite longitudinal edges of this base I04are provided respectively with the perpendicular flange I05 and theinwardly bowed flange I06. This form of inside molding differs from theform shown in Fig. 29 by having the perpendicular flange I05 providedwith an inwardly directed, angularly arranged flange I01. The normalangle between the inwardly directed flange I01 and the perpendicularflange I05 is such that when the panel sheet P is forced between theflanges I06 and I01, the angle of the flange I01 will be reduced. Inother words, the flange I01 will be forced toward the perpendicularflange I05 to place the flange I01 under compression. This compressingof the flange I01, by the insertion of a panel sheet P, will cause theflanges I06 and I01 to tightly clamp the panel sheet.

Different forms of outside angle moldings K are disclosed in detail inFigs. 36 to 41, inclusive, and 43. The first form is disclosed in Figs.36 to 39, inclusive.- The base strip, which is shown in detail in Figure38 is formed from a single blank of sheet material bent to provide thebottom I09 with the double ply edge flanges I I0. These edge flanges areadapted to be arranged with respect to each other to correspond with theangle of the wall surfaces with which this molding is associated. Inother words, if the wall surfaces which form the angle to be covered bythe paneling are arranged at a 90 angle with respect to each other,these edge flanges IIO should be arranged at the same angle. Anyvariations in the angle formed by the wall surfaces may be taken care ofby varying the angle formed by the flanges I I0. The material of theblank employed for forming the base strip is further shaped to provide asubstantially U-shaped trough or top channel III. This trough or topchannel III overlies the base I09 and these two portions I09 and III areprovided with registering longitudinally arranged slots II2 designed toreceive the securing screws II3, shown in Fig. 36. These screws functionto connect the top strip II4 disclosed in detail in Fig. 39. This topstrip II4 is provided with a channel-shaped main body portion H5 and twolaterally projecting, bowed side flanges H6. The base or bottom of thetrough-shaped body portion H5 is provided with apertures II1 to receivethe securing bolts II3. Fig. 36 discloses two panel sheets P- clampedbetween the flanges H0 and H6 of the base and top strips I06 and H4respectively. To increase the clamping action of these cooperatingflanges, a wedging insert strip III! is positioned within the trough ofthe channel-shaped body portion II5.

Fig. 36 discloses the manner in which this outside molding K is arrangedto support the two panel sheets. This figure also discloses mountingrails E connected to the two wall surfaces which cooperate to form theangle taken care of by this outside molding. Fig. 3'7 discloses a typeof block II9 which is fitted into the trough of a rail E to provide abearing surface against which one of the flanges IIO of the base stripI08 bears.

Fig. 40 discloses a modified form of outside angle molding which differsin certain respects from the form shown in Figs. 36 to 39 inclusive. Inthis modified form of molding, a base strip I20 is provided and isformed of a single blank of material bent to provide a main body portionI2I of substantially U-shape. The side walls or flanges of this mainbody are bent upon themselves to produce walls of double thickness. Edgeflanges I22 are connected to these side walls. The edge flanges 122 areintended to be arranged at an angle with respect to each other whichcorresponds with the angle formed by the corner to be covered by thispanel molding. Secured to the main body portion I2I, by a suitablenumber.

of screws and nuts I23 is an intermediate clamping strip I24. Thisclamping strip includes a substantially U-shaped main body portion I25,adapted to be received within the body portion I2I of the base strip,and angularly arranged edge flanges I26 adapted to lie in parallelismwith the edge flanges I22 of the base strip. These cooperating flangesI22 and I26 are intended to clamp the adjacent edges of panel sheets Pto support said sheets. A cap strip I21 is adapted to be snapped overthe edge flanges I26 of the intermediate strip in the mannerillustrated. The central portion of this cap is of U-formation toprovide a trough I28 adapted to receive a wedging insert strip I29.

A further modified form of outside angle molding is shown in Fig. 41.This molding includes a base strip I30 including a main body portionI3I. having side walls I32 and edge flanges I33. An intermediate stripI34 is secured to the base strip and the base strip in turn secured tothe wall structure by means of a plurality of screws I35. Thisintermediate clamping strip is formed with flanges I36 adapted to lie inparalelism with the flanges I33 of the base strip. These cooperatingflanges I33 and I36 function to clamp and support the panel sheets P. Tofinish off this outside angle molding, a cap I31 is snapped over theflanges I36 of the intermediate clamping strip. This cap is providedwith a central groove I30 which receives the wedging insert strip I39.

In Fig. 43 there is disclosed an outside angle molding structure whichis adapted for use to provide a base board appearance in a paneled isthe doubled-over edge I43 of the top molding strip I44. This top moldingstrip is formed of double thickness to provide the arched top portionI45 and the resilient inner portion I46. The free longitudinal edges ofthese two portions I45 and I46 are intended to clamp a panel sheet Ptherebetween. A wedging insert strip I41 is positioned within a grooveI48 formed in the top portion I45. Thiswedging strip I41 tensions thetop portion I45 transversely to cause the same to more securely bearagainst the panel sheet P. This panel sheet, when properly positioned,springs the underneath portion I46 out of its normal position to placetension upon the same for further aiding in clamping the panel sheet.

In many places in a paneled room, a plurality of ends of inside andoutside angle molding sections will come together to form a seam orjoint.- It, therefore, is desirable to conceal such joints and finishingangle plates are employed for that purpose.

In Figs. 34 and 35, a finishing angle plate L is illustrated. This angleplate is designed for concealing the joints between three differentinside angle moldings. Such a joint of in-- side angle moldings will befound at the ceiling and floor of every inside angle formed in a room.This finishing angle plate is provided with the three branches I49adapted to overlie the three respective sections of the inside anglemolding. Both side edges of each branch I49 are provided withhook-shaped beads I50 which will snap over the edges of the inside anglemoldings, as illustrated in Fig. 34.

Figs. 41 and 42 disclose a finishing angle plate M which is intended toconceal the joint between two inside angle molding sections J and oneoutside angle molding section. Such a joint will be found at the floorand ceiling of every outside angle formed in the wall of a room. Thisfinishing angle plate M includes the substantially triangularly shapedfoot portion II, adapted to overlie the two sections of inside anglemolding. An edge flange I52 is provided for this foot portion I5I toengage the outer edges of the moldings J. The foot portion carries anupstanding part I53 which is adapted to overlie the outside anglemolding section, as illustrated in Fig. 41. The edges of this upstandingportion I53 are provided with hook-shaped flanges I54. These flanges areintended to snap over th edges of the cap I31, see Fig. 41.

Fig. 44 discloses-a finishing angle plate adapted to conceal the jointformed between two outside molding sections, which joint will occur atthe corners of a window opening where the window frame is offsetoutwardly with reference to the inner face of the wall. This finishedangle plate N includes the two branches I55 which are arranged atright-angles with respect to each other. These branches are bowed orcurved in transverse section. The longitudinal edges I 55 of each branchare curled inwardly to permit the same to be snapped over the edges ofthe molding sections.

It is believed that the above brief description and detailed descriptionof the various elements which are cooperatively associated to form thisnovel paneling system will be sufficient to enable anyone skilled in theart to properly understand the manner in which the various elements areemployed to cause the same to perform their intended functions. Furtherexplanation of the mode of operation, therefore, is deemed to beunnecessary.

It is to be understood that the forms of this invention herewith shownand described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and thevarious changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention and thescope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered,ofrigid anchor devices secured to thesurface, mounting rails connected to the anchor devices and some ofwhich are angularly arranged relative to others, multi-part moldingsections connected to the mounting rails, and panel sheets immovablysupported at their edges between the parts of the molding sections.

2. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of anchor devices secured to the surfaceand adjustable to accomplish leveling of the paneling, mounting railsconnected to the anchor devices, molding sections connected to themounting rails, and panel sheets supported at their edges by the moldingsections.

' 3. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of anchor devices secured to thesurface, mounting rails, means for connecting the mounting rails indifferent operative positions to anchor devices, molding sectionsconnected to the mounting rails, and panel sheets supported at theiredges by the molding sections.

4. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of anchor devices secured to thesurface, mounting rails connected to the anchor devices, moldingsections connected in different positions of adjustment to the mountingrails, and panel sheets supported at their edges by the moldingsections.

5. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of adjustable anchor devices secured tothe surface, mounting rails connected to the anchor devices in any oneof a plurality of operative positions, molding sections connected to themounting rails for adjustment longitudinally of the rails, and panelsheets supported at their edges by the molding sections.

molding devices adapted to be arranged in parallel rows overlying andextending substantially at right angles to the mounting rails, means forconnecting the molding devices to the mounting rails, and panelshcetssupported and bounded by the molding devices.

7. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surfr we to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to bearranged in parallel rows overlying said surface, a plurality of anchordevices secured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support themounting rails, said anchor devices being independently adjustable forleveling the mounting rails, molding devices adapted to be arranged inparallel rows overlying and extending substantially at right angles tothe mounting rails, means for connecting the molding devices to themounting rails, and panel sheets supported and bounded by the moldingdevices.

8. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to be arrangedin parallel rows overlying said surface. a plurality of anchor devicessecured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support the mountingrails, molding devices adapted to be arranged in parallel rows overlyingand extending substantially at right angles to the mounting rails, eachsection of molding being formed of a plurality of separably connectedstrips, means for connecting the molding devices to the mounting rails,and panel sheets clamped between certain ones of the molding strips atall edges of the sheets so as to conceal and bind said edges.

9. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to be arrangedin parallel rows overlying said surface, a plurality of anchor devicessecured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support the mountingrails, molding devices adapted to be arranged in parallel rows overlyingand extending substantially at right angles to'the mounting rail, meansfor connecting the'moldlng devices to the mounting rails to permitadjustment of the molding devices relative to the mounting rails, andpanel sheets supported and bounded by the molding devices.

10. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to be arrangedin parallel rows overlying said surface, a plurality of anchor devicessecured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support the mountingrails, said anchor devices being independently adjustable for levelingthe mounting rails, molding devices adapted to be arranged in parallelrows overlying and extending substantially at right angles to themounting rails, each section of molding being formed of a plurality ofseparably connected strips, means for connecting the molding devices tothe mounting rails, and panel sheets clamped between certain ones of themolding strips at all edges of said sheets so as to conceal and bindsaid edges.

11. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to be arrangedin parallel rows overlying said surface, a plurality of anchor devices'secured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support themounting rails, said anchor devices being independently adjustable forleveling the mounting rails, molding devices adapted to be arranged inparallel rows overlying and extending substantially at right angles tothe mounting rails, means for connecting the molding devices to themounting rails to permit adjustment of the molding devices relative tothe mounting rails, and panel sheets supported and bounded by themolding devices.

12. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to be arrangedin' parallel rows overlying said surface, a plurality of anchor devicessecured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support the mountingrails, molding devices adapted to be arranged in parallel rows overlyingand extending substantially at right angles to the mounting rails, eachsection of molding being formed of a plurality of separably connectedstrips, means for connecting the molding devices to the mounting railsto permit adjustment of the molding devices relative to the mountingrails, and panel sheets clamped between certain ones of the moldingstrips at all edges of the sheets soas to conceal and bind said edges.

13. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of mounting rails adapted to be arrangedin parallel rows overlying said surface, a plurality of anchor devicessecured to the surface at suitably spaced points to support the mountingrails, said anchor devices being independently adjustable for levelingthe mounting rails, molding devices adapted to be arranged in parallelrows overlying and extending substantially at right angles to themounting rails, each section of molding being formed of a plurality ofseparably connected strips, means for connecting the molding devices tothe mounting rails to permit adjustment of the molding devices relativeto the rails, and panel sheets clamped between certain ones of themolding strips at all edges ofthe sheets so as to conceal and bind saidedges.

14. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of anchor devices secured to the surfaceand adjustable to level the paneling, mounting rails longitudinallyadjustably connected to the anchor devices, molding. sections connectedto the mounting rails, and panel sheets supported at their edges by themolding sections.

15. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of anchor devices secured to thesurface, mounting rails longitudinally adjustably connected to theanchor devices, molding sections laterally adjustably connected to themounting rails, and panel sheets supported at their edges by the moldingsections.

16. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of anchor devices secured to the.surface and adjustable to level the panel, mounting rails connected tothe anchor devices, molding sections laterally adjustably connected tothe mountingrails, and panel sheets supported at their edges by themolding sections.

17. Interior paneling of the type described comprising, the combinationwith the surface to be covered, of a plurality of anchor devices 59-cured at suitably spaced intervals to the surface, vertically extendingmounting rails of channel formation connected to the anchor devices, aplurality of connector plates loosely postioned within the channels ofthe mounting rails, means adapted to frlctionally engage the walls ofthe channeled mounting rails to retain the connector plates in desiredpositions of adjustment,

. molding sections connected to the mounting rails to extendsubstantially at right angles to said rails, and panel sheets supportedat their edges by the molding sections.

18. Paneling of the type described, comprising supporting means, anchordevices secured to the supporting means, mounting members connected tothe anchor devices, panel sheets, and means connected to the mountingmembers for engaging the opposite faces of the panel sheets at all oftheir edges to clamp and immovably support the latter.

l9. Paneling of the type described comprising supporting means, anchordevices secured to the supporting means, a plurality of mounting memberssupported by the anchor devices, a plurality of panel sheets, andmulti-part molding sections connected to the mounting members andclamping all of the edge portions of the panel sheets to immovablysupport the latter.

20. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a predetermined number of panel sheets-cut into aplurality of non-uniform sizes, the total area of all of said sheetsbeing substantially equal to the area of the supporting wall structureand when properly assembled will form a complete paneling surface forsaid wall structure, means for connecting together all of the associatededges of adjacent panel sheets, and means for securingthe'eaforementioned means to the supporting wall structure for fasteningsaid panel sheets to said structure.

21. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a predetermined number of panel sheets cut into aplurality of non-uniform sizes, the total area of all of said sheetsbeing substantially equal to the area of the supporting wall structureand which when properly assembled will form a complete paneling surfacefor said structure, multi-part molding sections clamped to all of theedges of said panel sheets to bind said edges and to connect togetherassociated edges of adjacent panel sheets, and means for securing themolding sections to said supporting wall structure.

22. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure,- of a predetermined number of panel sheets cut into aplurality of non-uniform sizes, the total area of all of said sheetsbeing substantially equal to the area of the supporting wall structureand which when properly assembled will form a complete paneling surfacefor said structure, means for connecting together and concealing all ofthe associated edges of adjacent panel sheets, mounting rails to whichthe aforesaid means are angularly arranged and adjustably connected, andanchor devices for securing the mounting rails to said supporting wallstructure.

233. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a predetermined number of panel-sheets-cut into aplurality of non-uniform sizes, the total area of all of said sheetsbeing substantially equal to the area of the supporting wall structureand which when properly assembled will form acomplete paneling surfacefor said structure, multipart molding sections secured to all of theedges of the panel sheets to bind said edges and to connect togetherassociated edges of adjacent panel sheets, mounting elements to whichthe molding sections are angularly arranged and adjustably' connected,and anchor devices for securing the mounting elements to said supportingwall structure.

24. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a predetermined number of panel sheets cut into aplurality of non-uniform sizes, the total area of all of said sheetsbeing substantially equal to the area of the supporting wall structureand whicnwhen properly assembled will form a complete paneling surfacefor said structure, multipart molding sections secured to all of theedges of the panel sheets to bind said edges and to connect togetherassociated edges of adjacent panel sheets, mounting rails to which theaforesaid molding sections are angularly arranged and adjustablyconnected,

and anchor devices for securing the mounting rails to said supportingwall structure.

25. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a base frame formed of a plurality of properly associatedmounting rails. means for tying the base frame to the supporting wallstructure, a plurality of molding base strip sections fastened to thebase frame in a manner to bound and define a plurality of areas ofpredetermined, non-uniform shapes and sizes, a plurality of panel sheetsequal n number to the number of areas andpreformed to provide one panelsheet of the same shape and size as each of said areas, said panelsheets being arranged in their respective areas in eneasement with themolding base strips, molding top strip sections secured to themoldingbase strip sections to overlie the same and to retain in p acesaid panel sheets, means for connecting the molding base and top stripsections, and

means for concealing from view the said connect ing means.

26. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a base frame formed of a plurality of properly associatedmounting rail sections, means for tying the base frame to the supportingwall structure, a plurality of preformed panel'sheets of desired shapesand sizes, the-total area of all of said sheets being substantiallyequal'to the area of the supporting wall structure and which whenproperly assembled form a complete paneling surface for said structure,and multi-part molding sections secured to the base frame and arrangedto receive between the parts of the same all ofthe edges of the panelsheets and to rigidly support the said sheets out of contact with thesaid base frame. I

27. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a supporting wallstructure, of a skeleton base frame, means for tying the base frame tothe said wall structure so as to overlie the latter, a second skeletonframe, means for fastening the second frame to the base frame so as tooverlie the latter with the various superimposed rib-like portions ofthe respective skeleton frames extending transversely of each other, anda plurality of panel sheets supported by the second skeleton frame.

28. Wall paneling comprising, the combination. with a supporting wallstructure, of a skeleton base frame, means for tying the base frame tothe said wall structure so as to overlie the latter, a second skeletonframe, means for fastening the second frame to the base frame so as tooverlie the latter with the various superimposed rib-like portions ofthe respective skeleton frames extending transversely of each other, allportions of said second skeleton frame being formedof separable parts,and a plurality of panel sheets supported by the second skeleton frameand having their edges clamped between the separate parts of said secondframe.

29. Supporting means for wall paneling sheets comprising a base frameformed of mounting rail sections, multipart molding sections, and meansfor securing the molding sections to the base frame with the moldingsections arranged transversely of the mounting rail sections to whichthey are directly secured.

30. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with a wall studdingmember, of anchor devices connected to the studding members, a baseframe formed of mounting rails attached to the anchor devices,multi-part molding sections secured to the mounting rails to extend atright angles thereto, and panel sheets received at their edges betweenthe parts of the molding sections.

31. Wall paneling comprising, the combination with the Wall studdingmembers, of independently adjustable anchor devices connected to thestudding members, a base frame formed of mounting rails attached to theanchor devices, said base frame being rendered level and plumb by properadjustment of the anchor devices, multipart molding sections secured tothe mounting rails, and panel sheets received at their edges between theparts of the molding sections.

32. Wall paneling comprising, the combination

